THE TORONTO STEELPAN COMMUNITY LOSES A GREAT FRIEND
Toronto Celebrates the Life and Spirit of
Miyumi Lisa Sasaki
A Beautiful Soul we will Always Remember

Toronto - Miyumi passed away on March 14/2007 succumbing to her illness with cancer.  Miyumi was a dedicated Teacher and Educator working with the Toronto District School Board and a member of Pan Fantasy for the past 20 years.  She was a devoted educator who advocated for the steelpan and steelpan programs in the Toronto school system.  She thought that all students could learn and insisted on getting the best from everyone of them.  She was a long standing member of the pan community at large, a good friend and a professional colleague. Miyumi was also a devoted mother and wife Miyumi Lisa is survived by her husband Ivory, and her two loving daughters Nayo and Kioni.

Terror sings last note

Fitzgerald “The Mighty Terror” Henry died yesterday at a health care facility on Frederick Street, Curepe after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Anguilla Village, Arouca, Terror was crowned calypso king in 1966 when he performed the songs “Pan Jamboree” and “Last Year’s Happiness”.

The Greatest Steel Orchestras
On 'YouTube' Channel

When Steel Talks will feature great performances from steel orchestras all over the world on our YouTube Channel.  Some have already been featured on our own web site, and now When Steel Talks looks forward to expanding the performances to the additional global audience on YouTube.

New performances will be added regularly.

New Dimension Steel Orchestra
in the "Pan Classics"
Performance Spotlight

Hailing from Grenada, New Dimension is one of the finest steel orchestras in the Caribbean.  They are led by the charismatic, talented, respected musician and composer/arranger - David "Peck" Edwards.  Equally comfortable in any genre of music, New Dimension is equally adept and at home on the panorama stage, as it is in the World Steelband music festival delivering the subtleties of a classical piece.

Junior Panorama
Winners Off to Mexico

Trinidad - St. Margaret’s Boys Anglican Steel Orchestra will represent Trinidad & Tobago at the 5^th Annual Festival Internacional Cedros-Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City, Mexico.

Pan Podium Magazine
On The Pulse of Pan in the UK

United Kingdom - 2006 marked the seventh anniversary of Pan Podium. Since its inception, the magazine and its website ardously promoted this wonderful instrument, its musicians, events and its continued progress in establishing itself in global music. In 2006, Russell Henderson MBE was yet another pan musician to be awarded this prestigious title and Ebony Steel Orchestra won their fifteenth panorama title ensuring that their world title is secure. Ebony, Phase 11 Pan Groove, The Defence Force, Pan Kultur and Nostalgia steel bands all performed at the FIFA World Cup finals in Germany capturing their global audience with the versatility of the steel pan and the dexterity of its players.

Steel Pannist Andy Narell
Speaks on Latest Project
Tatoom - Music for Steel Orchestra

Andy Narell has been on a fascinating  musical journey with the steelpan instrument for more than 4 decades.  In a recent interview exclusive with When Steel Talks, Andy shares his thoughts on his latest musical offering named "tatoom" on the Heads Up International label.

New York - And why not?  When Steel Talks has previously called for that first prize and much more for New York's pannists in competition.  New York is, after all, the entertainment, media and financial capital of the world.  The Big Apple always sees itself as a global artistic and cultural leader.  And as quietly as it's kept, the steel orchestras of New York have been spear-heading and carrying the flame for the most vibrant, inventive, creative and socially significant music performing arts-based movement in the USA.  The challenge in 2007 is for the managements of the New York steel orchestras to get their act together, and secure not only competent leadership, but also an able and progressive producer/promoter who can deliver the goods and take advantage of the vast talent the young people possess, in a time when NY is culturally and financially flourishing.

All Female Steelpan Ensemble
A "First" in Botswana's History

Botswana - Friday 23rd February, 2007 will long be remembered in the lives of 14 new students of Rainbow High School in Gaborone, Botswana.